Concept Paper (Best Practice Reference Paper for Peace-building) 1 ...

diverse contingencies (including international terrorism, natural disasters,piracy, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and regional conflicts) havebeen more signi (leant in the recent Asia-Pacific regional security environment .14 . Some participants explained that recent defense exchanges in the regionhave emphasized practical cooperation in regional security (including disasterrelief. maritime security and peace-building) in addition to the traditionalconfidence-building dialogues . Some participants also pointed out that defenseexchanges have been diversity'ing from high-level visits, exchanges betweenunits and education/rcscarch facilities to joint exercises/training and practicalcooperation, including logistics .15 . The Sub-committee acknowledged the recent progress of regionalcooperation for common security challenges and of defense cooperation (such asDefense Officials Dialogue (DUD)) in the ARF process . Some participantsalso explained efforts for regional cooperation such as the ASLAIN DefenceMinisters' Meeting (ADMN'i) and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) .16 . Participants shared the view that the ability to promote mutualunderstanding, peace and stability in the region relied heavily on defenseexchanges (including dialogues and exercises) . Some participants also notedthat exchanges of observers to military exercises could he helpful to enhancetransparency and mutual understanding .17 . Some participants suggested that the publication of white papers andwebsites could be helpful to ensure transparency of regional cooperation .19 . Some participants pointed out that undertakin gs in the ARF, includingopenness of participants and access to information via the internet, is a usefulreference to emerging multilateral cooperation in the region .Closing Remarks19 . Participants shared the view that efforts for regional capacity buildingand international cooperation in peace-building should be fitrther pursued invarious international fora including the ARE . Noting (.his, some participantssuggested that the draft of Best Practice Reference Paper for Peace-Building'should be further considered in ARF meetings and other relevant fora .20 . The Sub-committee also noted that recent defense exchanges play anessential role not only in confdence-huilding but also in promoting practicalcooperation for common security challenges in die region, such asa